EA Sports College Football: USC Trojans team preview

The wait is almost over! EA Sports College Football 25 releases Friday, July 19. The 247Sports team is proud to be the exclusive media group to get early access to playing the game. To make sure fans are ready for the launch of EA Sports College Football 25, we preview some of the top teams in the video game. Today, Big Ten newcomers USC take center stage as the Trojans and Lincoln Riley look to make a statement.

Team expert Chris Trevino of USCFootball.com has you covered with a Q&A session to get you ready to play with USC in College Football 25. Chris pinpoints everything you need to know about the USC roster from impact players to choosing the best offensive and defensive playbooks to highlighting key games on the 2024 college football schedule.

What impact players should fans be controlling for USC when they pick up the controller?

“Fans should be sprinting to play as USC’s dynamic sophomore receiver Zachariah Branch, a player tailor made for a college football video game. Not the biggest weapon, but Branch is one of the most dynamic players in the country with elite 10.3 speed, making it easy to see why he’s compared to NFL All-Pro Tyreek Hill. The elusive Branch is perfect for a creative coordinator, capable of being used on screens, middle routes, deep shots and even out of the backfield. That’s not even factoring in his ability as a returner on punts and kickoffs. 

“On the defensive side, Kamari Ramsey will be one of the key leaders for USC’s defense as he roams the secondary at safety. Fans should also look to utilize the unique skill set of 6-foot-7 linebacker Eric Gentry, a defender players can use to wreak havoc as a pass rusher and in coverage with his 7-foot-1 wingspan.”

What are the best offensive and defensive playbooks to use with USC?

“The Trojans run a fast-paced Air Raid attack that likes to get up the field and score at will. Lincoln Riley’s offense uses a lot of RPO (Run-Pass Option) to put defenses under duress and attack multiple levels. While USC is primarily a passing team, Riley’s Air Raid can be dangerous as a run team as well, utilizing lots of pulls on the offensive line. USC will run a multiple 3-4 defense that is very aggressive and relies on linebackers to make plays. The scheme has NFL roots and requires a massive nose tackle in the middle to work.”

When playing year one of dynasty mode with USC, what game should fans circle on the schedule?

“USC boasts one of the toughest schedules in the nation, its debut season in the Big Ten conference. Games with LSU, Notre Dame and Washington are key dates on the schedule, but the big one will come Week 3 as the Trojans travel to Ann Arbor to take on the defending national champion Michigan in the Big House. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect venue to bring two of the most iconic programs in college football together.”

What should your strategy be with USC to put them in a position to win a national title within a few years?

“We would opt for the strategy that legendary USC head coach Pete Carroll used during his dynasty run with the Trojans: lock down California talent while poaching top players from out of state. Southern California is one of the most fertile recruiting grounds across the country, up there with talent pools in Georgia, Texas and Florida. Set up an intimidating fence around California to keep top talent at home while using the USC brand to entice a couple of big-time out-of-state recruits to sign with the Trojans every cycle, especially at defensive line.”

What is the first play you are calling to start the season?

“It’s very tempting to send Branch on a vertical route to try and take the top off the defense with his speed out the gate. But we want to build to that so play one is going to be a RPO (Run-Pass Option) play with a bubble screen to Branch. We want to get the ball in Branch’s hands with space and let him go to work making defenders miss. If the screen is smothered, we have the option to let the running back make a play or keep on a QB scramble.”

Bud Elliott of 247Sports, and also of the Cover3 podcast, had this to say about USC the game.

“USC should be an awesome experience in this game. Receiver Zach Branch should be a cheat code. And based on the defensive ratings, EA Sports is buying in to the defensive improvement.”

In 2013, Bud created the Blue Chip Ratio — a breakdown of programs that have done well enough on the recruiting trail to actually win the College Football Playoff. You will be able to see Bud’s ratio in the game.

EA College Football 25 will be available on July 19. For more team previews, check out 247Sports and CBSSports.com over the coming week.

Want to see your rival’s preview? Your exclusive first look at EA Sports College Football 25’s Top 25 teams presented by Late Kick’s Josh Pate can be seen here!